Skills cannot be learned without hands-on practice
By Simon Hall
Trying to learn how to use a computer without ever touching a computer is like trying to learn how to ride a bike without ever putting your feet on the pedals. You can memorise all of the concepts and processes, but without feeling the wind in your hair and the butterflies in your stomach, you can’t really claim to KNOW how to ride.
At EQUIP it’s our goal to help our partner schools establish computer labs that enable their students to gain practical skills, in addition to the theory presented in their textbooks. We believe these are vital skills in the 21st Century – not just for the modern work environment, but for future learning, self-confidence and communication.
Each school is responsible for building the furniture to a specific design that minimizes exposed wires and theft.
“Projects like this do not get off the ground without a relationship of trust and shared responsibility.”
The computer lab project has taken different forms over the last few years. Now, in partnership with EduTech Nepal, we will be able to provide the highest quality, best thought out and longest-lasting setup possible.
The computer systems we are installing are designed so they can run all day on a battery. Devices are networked together so that files and screens can be shared. The software is completely genuine, which is rare in a country where most is counterfeit and virus-ridden.
Furthermore, the tables have been specifically designed to safely hide all the wiring, and computers are installed in such a way that they do not function outside of the classroom setup, minimising the risk for theft or accidental disappearance.
“I do not have a computer at home so I’m excited to learn these skills for my future.” - Bishwa Gurung
Projects like this do not get off the ground without a relationship of trust and shared responsibility. We’ve entered a three-way agreement with EduTech and each partner school.
EduTech provides the computer equipment, setup, training and the bulk of the costs. The schools commit to providing the furniture, a secure and well-managed room and to putting money into a maintenance fund each year.
EQUIP plays an important role in liaising with the school, training the teachers, monitoring, follow-up as well as a portion of the costs for future labs.
Setup is carried out by all parties involved
We are convinced that these labs are an important learning tool and will have a meaningful impact on the students. Moreover, the labs can be used to train and equip teachers from other schools and the wider community.
We have plans to provide several more computer labs over the coming years. One is already in process and will hopefully be completed by the end of 2019.
To complete this project, each lab costs $5,000. Fortunately, EduTech will help match our fundraising and we only need $3,500 raised to cover a lab. If you would be interested in supporting this project, please click below or personally get in contact with us at equip@kisc.edu.np
Thank you for your support, and please continue to pray for the students and teachers as they make good use of their new labs.
